The Studying Hours
Page 66And Christ—I don’t want to.
“Ready for dinner?”
She attempts a nod and I grin.
I’m riding this roller coaster all the way to the fucking end.
Jameson: I don’t know if I told you, but thank you for the tickets to the match. And thank you for dinner.
Oz: You’re welcome. Knowing you were in the crowd tonight gave my adrenaline the biggest rush; I can’t believe how fast I pinned McPherson.
Jameson: Who’s McPherson?
Oz: The kid from Wisconsin. I was on fire tonight, and it’s because you were there watching me.
Jameson: You really were incredible.
Oz: You know what else is incredible? Your lips. I could have stood on your porch tonight and made out with you forever.
Jameson: That was really sweet…and hormonal.
Oz: Hormonal? Nah, that’s not it at all. It’s you. If you said ‘Oz, get in your car and come climb through my bedroom window’, I would do it without hesitating.
Jameson: My bedroom is on the second story…
Oz: Exactly.
Jameson: LOL what else would you do?
Oz: The better question is, what wouldn’t I do?
Sebastian
Oz: Hey sexy.
Oz: Who else would I be talking to?
Jameson: Hmmm, good question…
Oz: What are you up to?
Jameson: Just getting ready for girls night. My roommates want to Netflix and chill.
Oz: You’re definitely staying home tonight?
Jameson: Yeah. Hayley wants to watch Ten Things I Hate About You. She’s hating on men right now—some guy won’t text her back. Why, you asking for a reason? ;)
Damn. I was hoping maybe…
I palm the phone in my hand and stare down at it, oddly disappointed that she’s staying home with her friends. It’s been days since I’ve seen her; work and school and wrestling have driven a wedge into my social calendar, not to mention whatever obligations she’s had, and—
I miss her.
I miss her like fucking crazy.
Jameson: Now that we know I’m having girls night, what does Oz Osborne have planned for tonight after his big WIN against Princeton?
Oz: Looks like I’m staying in, too. Roommates are gone and I have the place to myself tonight. Maybe I’ll watch the MMA fight on HBO. Maybe I’ll study. idk
Jameson: Must be nice having the house to yourself. What does that feel like?! The only time I’m ever alone is during the day when my roomies are at class.
Oz: Freakishly quiet. Zeke is usually pre-gaming on a Friday night before getting completely plowed; he went home to see his cousin. Or maybe it’s his…who knows. I’m not sure where he’s been lately, but he’ll be back tomorrow for a party.
Jameson: lol. I’m not so sure about him. Yeesh.
Oz: Yeah, he’s kind of a dick.
Jameson: Kind of? ;)
Oz: Are you sure you can’t
Jameson: Am I sure I can’t…what? Did your phone die again?
Fuck it. I’m just going to put it out there.
Oz: Are you sure you can’t ditch your friends? LOL
Shit. It sounds really insensitive after I hit send. I should have added a goddamn wink face or something.
Jameson: I’m looking at Hayley and she’s shoving Ben & Jerry’s into her face with a shovel at an alarming pace. I’d say for the time being, I’m stuck here.
Oz: When can I see you again?
Jameson: Honestly? Not soon enough.
Jameson: I can’t believe I just sent that. Groan.
God, this freaking girl.
Oz: I really fucking miss you.
Jameson: I miss you too. Is that weird? It’s only been a few days since I’ve seen you.
Oz: Doesn’t matter. Not seeing you is making me slightly unstable. I should probs go run a few miles to burn off some of this nervous energy.
Jameson: Oddly, I find that very sweet—I find YOU very sweet. And charming.
Oz: You are…the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.
Jameson: Stop it! You’re making me blush and giggle, and now my roommates are all staring at me.
Oz: I fucking love that about you.
Oz: Everything. I fucking love everything.
Jameson: You can’t say things like that in a text message!
I laugh out loud and tap out a quick Why not?
Jameson: Because! Don’t you know anything about girls? That’s something I want to hear in person. That’s like…panty dropper material right there.
My eyebrows shoot straight into my hairline and I stare at the words on my screen, stunned that they came from her. Panty dropper, panty dropper, panty dropper.
Jameson: My point is—that was really sweet and unexpected.
Oz: Did it make you wet hearing I love everything about you?
Jameson: I’m not sexting you right now! I’m in a crowded room!
Oz: Come on—give me something! I’m cold and alone and it’s Friday night.
Jameson: Yes. It got me wet. And “excited”.
Oz: EXCITED, excited?
Jameson: Yes (Yes! Yes!)
Oz: I’m beginning to think you’re naughtier than you look.
Jameson: Remember what I said to you the first time we met?
Oz: Something about being curious to sleep with me because of my incredible body?
Jameson: LOL, no! (but also yes) Never judge a girl by her cardigan.
I’m in my bedroom, stretched out across my bed, the latest episode of The Walking Dead playing in the background on the TV, when I hear the faint knock. Tipping my head to make sure my ears aren’t playing tricks on me—I’m not expecting anyone—I hear it again: several soft raps to the front door.